Is Coppell one of the most well-mannered cities in the United States? Perhaps so, given the large number of students who have participated in cotillion here over the last twenty years. The Coppell Cotillion is instructed by the nationally recognized, 67-year-old company Jon D. Williams Cotillions.  Of the 45 cotillions Jon D. Williams Cotillion programs across the United States, Coppell is one of the largest despite the city’s relatively small size. “Coppell parents are very aware of how important their children’s social education is to their success”, notes Jon D. Williams III, the company’s President and CEO.

Cotillion?  The very term conjures up an antiquated scene, right out of the Age of Innocence, where only children of the very privileged learn to box step and fastidiously hold tea cups – pinkies properly raised. This misconception is far removed from the Coppell Cotillion, where students learn essential social skills that contribute to their character and have a positive influence on their future social and business relationships.

The Coppell Cotillion was founded in 1997 by Kit Whitehill “to offer young people a first-hand opportunity about how to act properly and develop positive relationships in social situations”.  Of course, all in the process of having fun through the dancing! Students in the Coppell Cotillion learn the importance of courtesy, consideration and respect between doing the Swing Hustle and Merengue; they learn all about improving their non-verbal and verbal communication skills between the doing the Foxtrot and Cha Cha; and they learn all about table etiquette and table manners in between doing the Texas Two-step and Cotton-eyed Joe. As one parent proudly remarked “I see a difference for the better in the way my son approaches certain situations… it helps raise the standards in our community, and gives these kids great life lessons.”

Denise Thompson and Cherie Walker have been the Co-chairwomen of the Coppell Cotillion for the last 14 years. “The classes are open to anyone who wishes to participate limited only on a first-come, first-served basis to maintain the quality of instruction,” says Mrs. Walker. “But the classes fill-up at a very fast pace,” adds Mrs. Thompson, “Last year some classes were filled in a few hours, others in a day or two.” 

The Coppell Cotillion offers two separate 5^th grade classes, and a 6^th and 7^th grade combination. A dinner is included for 6^th and 7^th grades. Classes are held at GracePoint Church beginning January 20, 2017. A limited number of scholarships are offered. Registration and information is available online at www.cotillion.com.